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FORT COLLINS, COLO. -- On a gloomy Saturday in Fort Collins, Colorado the Weber State Wildcats let a very winnable game slip through their fingers against the Colorado State Rams.
After withstanding an early 10 point Rams onslaught, the Wildcats dominated the game until the very last ticks on the clock. With 47 seconds left, and the ball on the 11-yard line, Cameron Higgins fumbled the snap and the Rams recovered, only to run out the clock and run away with a 24-23 win.
Colorado State started the scoring early on a double reverse trick play. Rams Quarterback Grant Stucker caught a 40-yard pass from wide receiver Dion Morton to get the early 7-0 lead. Weber State's defense held the Rams to a field goal on their second series keeping the game in reach at 10-0.
The momentum turned Weber State's way at the start of the 2nd quarter. Trevyn Smith rushed for a nine-yard score to put the Cats' on the board, but kicker Jon Williams missed the extra point leaving the score at 10-6. Weber State got the ball and moved down the field again only for Williams to miss a field goal, which would prove costly.
Colorado State found the end zone once again on a two-yard run by Leonard Mason to give the Rams some breathing room at 17-6. Weber State answered right back with a touchdown of their own; a 10 yard pass from Higgins to Cody Nakamura with 4:50 left in the 2nd quarter. The pair connected on another touchdown with 27 seconds left to give the Cats' a 20-17 lead going into the half.
Momentum stayed on Weber State's side as free safety Jordan Brown intercepted Stucker early on in the 3rd quarter. The Cats' marched down the field and Mike Snoy kicked the longest field goal of his career, a 47-yarder, to give the Cats' a 23-17 lead going into the 4th quarter.
After an error free first half, Higgins had two mistakes in the second. The Wildcat defense held on Higgins first miscue, but it was the second interception that cost Weber State the game. Stucker connected with Rashaun Greer on a 57-yard bomb that put the Rams on the Weber State one yard line. Stucker then connected with Eric Peitz for a two-yards touchdown pass.
The play went under review and was confirmed putting the Rams up 24-23 with 8:31 left in the game.
The 'Cats marched down the field, looking for the game-winning field goal, but it was the botched snap with 47 seconds that left Coach Ron McBride with only two words, "No way."
The Wildcats leave the Mountain West Conference with losses against Wyoming last week and Colorado State this week. The ‘Cats head home to take on Big Sky Conference rivals the Idaho State Bengals next Saturday at 6 p.m. inside Stewart Stadium.
